Sport Update

GSV Cross Country – Prelims and Champs 

Thank you to Stephanie D (Y11) for her heartfelt recount of this year’s GSV cross country competition.  

Firstly, a massive thank you to Ms Ritson for all of her organisation and support throughout the cross country season! She has put an enormous amount of effort into preparing the team with weekly training sessions as well as training meets with other schools.  

The cross country team, along with Ms Ritson, Ms Elliot and Ms Ganatra took on the GSV Preliminary cross country at Yarra Bend in Fairfield. We had a very memorable time! The course was very tough which included a steep hill that we had to run up twice. Ms Ganatra, who is a maths teacher, didn’t know what she got herself into when she signed up for cross country. She brightened our day and made us all laugh. Poor Ms Ganatra was left to wheel the heavy marquee a very long way from the bus, all the way to the start line and down the steep hill. All hands were on deck to help Ms Ganatra get this marquee up the steep hill at the end of the day. Although she said it was the worst thing she had ever signed up for, we all know that she secretly enjoyed it! The day was filled with lots of laughter and team bonding. 

On the 31st of May, it was a special day as we headed to the last ever GSV Champs cross country for Shelford. The almighty team of nine made our way to Cruden Farm in Langwarrin with Ms Ritson, Mr Whitehead and Lia. The weather conditions were perfect for cross country. It was a bittersweet occasion knowing that this was the last time that Shelford would ever compete for GSV cross country. As around 200 girls took off quickly from the start line, it really felt like a stampede! Everyone in our Shelford team tried their very best in the difficult course to enjoy the run. I’m very proud of all our efforts and on the way back to Shelford, we all enjoyed a well-deserved team Macca’s run. We are grateful for the teacher’s assistance on the day of Champs and the Prelims carnival as well.  

In the award presentations, the ‘Shelford Shield’ plaque was presented for the first time to honour Shelford Girls’ Grammar. Each year in the future, the fastest 4km time will be engraved on it. We all stood at the front as Ms Cutajar and a representative from Girls Sport Victoria beautifully reflected on the many years of Shelford’s involvement in GSV cross country and the legacy that we have created. It was a very bittersweet day that we all made the most of. My involvement in GSV cross country has taught me so much. I will forever cherish all the memories made including the early morning training, virtual GSV cross country in lockdown and especially the opportunity to compete for Shelford.  

House Athletics

We celebrated our final whole school sporting carnival with athletics at Duncan McKinnon. The day has been summarised in the words of our House Captains: 

“Last Friday, we donned our ‘purple players’ costumes and headed off to Duncan Mackinnon, pumped and ready to run, jump or throw. Through many super fun athletic events (and some novelty too) it was amazing to see everyone in Lloyd taking part in as much as they could and cheering for their friends too. 

After what has been a pretty amazing semester of House activities in Lloyd, what better way to conclude our last ever Shelford house sports carnival than by taking the final win as well! I’m truly so proud of all our Lloydians this year, I know your will to participate and ability to give everything your 100% effort will carry through the rest of your house endeavours next year”  

Alice J (Lloyd House Captain) 

“Langley's last house athletics was one to remember! With the theme of 'Langley lived happily ever after', many girls dressed up in princess outfits, tutus, and even some blowup unicorns (a Junior school favorite). Speaking of, the junior girls lit up getting to make some memories with the seniors. It was a day full of cheering together, from the JDC all the way to year 12; screaming both the junior and senior chants! The highlight of the day was definitely the senior school wheel; with 21 Langley girls from years 7-12 coming together to win the fun competition. Of course, there was the fun of running and racing with your friends. Whether it was a walk, a run, a jump or a throw, each and every Langley girl stood up and gave it a go! Some awesome finishes for many girls and a day to remember!” 

Alannah L (Langley House Captain)  

"Our final sports carnival went out with a bang. Uniting the junior and senior school brought a fabulous energy to the day as the senior students fed off the enthusiasm of the younger ones. The new novelty races and drinks cart also made it feel extra special. This carnival saw students from all houses getting involved in as many events as they could, understanding that this carnival was more precious because it was the last. While it is upsetting to say goodbye to this Shelford event, we will look back fondly."

Sasha K (Blundell House Captain) 

"The last Shelford Athletics carnival was sensational! It was amazing to see so many girls in Thomas getting involved in events, and always giving it their best shot. Our theme was Tired Thomas, so seeing girls sprinting in full pyjamas added to the fun of the day! My favourite event was the wheel, which saw many members of all houses getting competitive. Thomas girls had a day filled with laughter, fun and some friendly competition."

Hannah C (Thomas House Captain) 

SYDSA Division Cross Country 

Congratulations to Anna K (Y6) an Sarah W (Y4) who progressed to represent SYDSA at the Division cross country championships at Bald Hill Park, Clarinda. Both girls performed incredibly well in a large talented field, with Anna finishing 10th in the 12/13 years and Sarah W 40th in the 9/10 years.  

GSV Senior netball finals  

A huge congratulations to the senior netball team who have qualified for the finals following their season this term. The finals are set to take place this week, so we look forward to hearing how they go.  

Junior Energy Hub Running Club

This term, it has been fantastic to witness 25+ Junior school (Year 3+) students attending a weekly running club every Monday morning at school. Students have been completing 200m laps of the oval to accumulate a distance total building towards significant milestones to earn a badge – 15km, 30km, 50km, 70km, 100km. Student energy has been high and the enthusiasm to conquer these goals has been great to see. Well done to all girls who are making such great progress with their health and fitness and committing to winning the morning with exercise. Energy Hub returns in Term 2 with a new activity and hopefully running later in the year. 

Joanne Ritson

Head of HPE (P-6) & Head of Sport (P-12)